“Debates are healthy and important for our democracy, and voters demand them because they want to attend and participate, said Casten. “But just like his refusal to hold a town meeting for more than ten years, Peter Roskam is refusing to debate in the very district he represents.”

“Forcing voters to travel 30 miles to downtown Chicago and pay for a ticket to hear us is anathema to a fair and open dialogue. Peter Roskam should stop ducking his constituents and show the courage to face the voters. To borrow from Harry Truman, if Peter can’t stand the heat he should get out of the House.”

Peter Roskam and Sean Casten have debated twice outside of the Sixth Congressional District, and only once in front of a live audience. They have been invited to four joint forums in district:

Coalition for a Better Illinois 6th on August 6th

League of Women Voters of McHenry County on September 10th

League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn on September 16th

League of Women Voters of the Palatine Area on October 6th

Sean Casten has accepted all invites.

Today, the Casten Campaign sent the following letter to Peter Roskam requesting further debates in the district:

Congressman Peter Roskam
PO Box 713
Wheaton, IL 60187

Dear Congressman Roskam:

Debates are healthy and important for our democracy, and voters demand them because they want to participate in the election process.

So far, you and I have had two debates outside the district we seek to represent. I believe voters deserve the opportunity to see and hear us where they live.

Today, I respectfully reiterate my request that we schedule a minimum of five free debates — one in each county in the 6th District. This should give every constituent in the district a chance to attend a debate and pose their questions to us.

I look forward to working with you to ensure that debates take place in the Sixth District in the 100 days remaining before Election Day.